Over the last few years, film tourism has increasingly become a prominent niche influencing travel decisions, as the tourism industry has witnessed a move away from mass, organised tourist packages towards a more specialised kind of travel. In fact, a study sanctioned by the World Tourism Organisation estimated in 2018 that no less than 80 million visitors mostly selected which tourism destinations to visit based on films and television series, a statistic that is likely to increase as streaming services make the visual media ever more accessible. While a number of studies have considered film tourism, and particularly its impact on destination image and the experiences of film tourists, very few have looked at the impact that film tourism can have on heritage sites, and particularly historical heritage sites, when filming and the resultant film tourism takes place there. This study considers this phenomenon and illustrates the impact through the use of a case study: the Outlander (2014-) television series set in Scotland. It first explores the field of film tourism and the intersections between film, history/heritage, and tourism. The study considers the history and value of film tourism, the impact of film tourism on destination image, the film tourist profile, and the influence of film tourism on historical heritage sites. Scotland is not a new film tourism favourite, but in recent years, the highly acclaimed and extremely popular Outlander series has had a massive influence on Scottish tourism. This thesis also explores the development of the “Outlander effect􀂴, from its literary roots to its filmic success, and elaborates on the impact of film tourism on a selection of Scottish historical heritage sites. The thesis also briefly considers other international examples in the management of filming and film tourism at historical heritage sites in order to identify best practice principles for heritage sites interested in including film tourism amongst their offerings. It concludes that a new niche of History, Heritage, Literary and Film Tourism (HHLFT) be adapted to further enhance this touristic domain. Show less

Over the last few years, film tourism has increasingly become a prominent niche influencing travel decisions, as the tourism industry has witnessed a move away from mass, organised tourist packages towards a more specialised kind of travel. In fact, a study sanctioned by the World Tourism Organisation estimated in 2018 that Show more

COVID-19 brought travel as we know it to a complete standstill. At the time it was believed that the impact of the pandemic was unprecedented and that the projected recovery would need to be both different and transformative. This was particularly evident from a product (supply) point of view given the renewed attempts to increase tourists (demand) to destinations. As a result of this hiatus, the travel industry needed to reconsider the shape and form of the tourism product in order to revive and ensure its sustainability. The objective of this investigation is to demonstrate how the product (supply) could be remodelled in a destabilised environment as a contingency plan so as to maintain and sustain tourist arrivals (demand) in the wake of any internal crises and other external emergencies. As a result, this article presents research on a newly devised novel approach to remodel the actual supply-side of the domestic tourism value chain so as to become more resilient and resistant. In principle this remodelling hones in on stimulating the development of a tourism product that takes into account other dimensions that were not formerly or conventionally regarded as part of the hyper-local touristic experience. Show less

COVID-19 brought travel as we know it to a complete standstill. At the time it was believed that the impact of the pandemic was unprecedented and that the projected recovery would need to be both different and transformative. This was particularly evident from a product (supply) point of view given the renewed attempts to Show more

The Department of Tourism is prioritising domestic tourism’s recovery. This is linked to the consensus that promoting domestic tourism is crucial to ensure that the sector recovers from the pandemic impacts on a pathway to sustainability and resilience to deal with future disruptions. This report extends the previous study to pilot and refine the Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework proposed, incorporating the Domestic Tourism Scheme as a key component. This report provides the context of the study, stipulating the aim, objectives and research questions. In relation to the rationale and purpose of the research, the piloting and refinement of the proposed Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework are critical to guide interventions and buy-in. Furthermore, the Framework is extended to include awareness and communication, training and skills development, and monitoring and evaluation components to support effective implementation and achieve intended impacts. The research methodology adopted during this Phase was a desktop approach (updating the literature) and qualitative component (key informant interviews and focus group discussions) to facilitate engagements with purposively selected (after undertaking stakeholder mapping) and key stakeholders on the Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework and Domestic Tourism Scheme. In total, 24 key informants and 4 focus groups completed. The proposed Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework is informed by the sustainable tourism development approach, linked to the ecosystem-based operational model that includes the drivers, pressures, state, impact and response (DPSIR) framework, which informs an examination of tourism that is based on a complex set of phenomena with multi-dimensional aspects and impacts. This approach was complemented by the Theory of Change approach during this Phase that promotes outcomes and results-based approaches to planning and development, focuses on evidence-based/ data-driven evaluation that demonstrates benefits and viability, enhances capacity development, enables partnerships and collaboration and is learning-orientated to improve future policies, plans and interventions. Several themes emerged from the literature review undertaken, including the importance of domestic tourism in South Africa and globally; trends and changes in domestic tourism travel behaviours; challenges faced in relation to finance, infrastructure, safety and security; the impacts of digital and technological advancements, and awareness levels. There was also consensus that domestic tourism was on a pathway to recovery, which needs to be supported/ incentivised. The importance of education and training as well as effective awareness and communication strategies were also highlighted. The main findings from the key informant interviews and focus group discussions were the importance of recognising the market profiles of domestic tourists and the general population in South Africa, especially in relation to the Domestic Tourism Scheme’s target groups. Several challenges were identified including financial, safety and security concerns, infrastructure and service provision, perceptions and knowledge of domestic tourism products and opportunities, seasonal fluctuations, marketing and promotion, pollution and litter/ grime, accessibility and discriminatory practices and COVID-19 pandemic and other disruptions. Key opportunities were also identified, including diverse tourism products and experiences, domestic tourism incentives, demand, location and digital/ technological changes. Very few participants were aware of the Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework and Domestic Tourism Scheme, but there w generally high levels of support once they were made aware of these strategies. Several stakeholders were identified, including government, tourism industry associations, tourism businesses, major tourist attractions and local communities. The recovery and resilience of domestic tourism in South Africa require collaboration and cooperation among these stakeholders. The National Department of Tourism was deemed to be the lead coordinator/ champion. Several mediums of communication were identified, cautioning that targeted rather than generic approaches were required. Training and capacity development issues were also highlighted, with key areas identified, such as customer service, business support and sustainability aspects. The proposed Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework was supported by the key informants and focus group discussions. Thus, no major changes to the proposed Framework were undertaken, although aspects were updated based on the responses from stakeholders. The four steps to reignite domestic tourism demand in South Africa (re-evaluate, reconfigure, respond and stimulate domestic tourism demand) are retained, informed by the DPSIR approach. The Framework draws on the tourism recovery strategy by encouraging a phased approach to reignite the domestic sector. The focus on Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and stimulating domestic tourism demand are highlighted. The Domestic Tourism and Awareness Framework draws from wide-ranging consultations with key stakeholders and provides guidance on how communication within the tourism sector can align with the government’s overall vision and core aims and objectives, most importantly, increasing its resilience and contribution to the country’s economy. The main aspects of the Framework are setting goals and identifying stakeholder roles, setting out guiding principles, identifying and understanding audiences, message design, targeting stakeholders using appropriate communication mediums, and identifying communication barriers and mitigation measures. The Framework should be used to develop a strategy and an associated implementation plan, including an embedded awareness campaign, a framework for monitoring and evaluation and recommendations for supporting actions. Six components for implementation are highlighted: setting goals and identifying roles (that is, establishing what the different groups involved need to do); identifying key audiences and understanding their needs/ preferences; developing key messages and testing these before using them at scale; identifying the most effective modes, methods and channels for communication of messages; and establishing ways to monitor and evaluate the impacts of the communications efforts inspired by the strategy. In terms of skills development and training, the development of a responsive and agile training and education system is advocated. It is proposed that the conceptualisation and implementation of domestic tourism and skills development should commence with a national skills audit to identify training needs, priority needs and training capacity. Various barriers to effective training were identified, including funding/ financial constraints, quality of training, logistical challenges and awareness of training opportunities that need to be addressed. Finally, the monitoring and evaluation indicator approach is presented, linked to the Theory of Change. The key components of this framework include championing (with the Department of Tourism identified as the main champion), communication, institutionalisation, embedding and actioning (which includes the identification of indicators in specific categories). The specific indicator categories were domestic tourists, economic impacts/ job creation, domestic tourism products and services, projects/ programmes to reignite domestic tourism, the Domestic Tourism Scheme, safety and security, funding/ investment, training, media and communication monitoring (assessing the effectiveness of the implementation of the awareness and communication approaches adopted), sustainability, organisational support, and development and implementation of sustainable domestic tourism policies/ strategies, frameworks and guidelines by tourism authorities and local governments. Show less

The Department of Tourism is prioritising domestic tourism’s recovery. This is linked to the consensus that promoting domestic tourism is crucial to ensure that the sector recovers from the pandemic impacts on a pathway to sustainability and resilience to deal with future disruptions. This report extends the previous study to Show more

Global pandemics have played an enormous role in shaping the tourism landscape. This dissertation focuses on the impact of pandemics on tourism by bringing together the responses to crisis from stakeholders in the 20th and 21st centuries. It examines historical pandemics from the Spanish influenza (1918) to COVID-19 (2019) to compare and identify the trends in policies and their effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on the importance of tourism in global economies and the recovery strategies post-disaster. Tourism-dependent countries are concerned about these disturbances as it leads to a fall in international travel that exacerbates economic problems, especially in developing nations. The research adopts an analytical approach which illuminates both historical policy triumphs and failures to inform future strategies. It draws together aspects from policymakers and stakeholders in order to build a more resilient and adaptable economy that emphasises a need for post-COVID-19 positioning. Various government interventions are considered and conclusions are drawn from both successful and failing methods that could highlight key indicators to assist governments with economic recovery. Finally, the research critiques government responses and suggests ways to improve them to highlight how policymakers should prepare for future crises and indicates how tourism can become more resilient and adaptable post-pandemic. Show less

Global pandemics have played an enormous role in shaping the tourism landscape. This dissertation focuses on the impact of pandemics on tourism by bringing together the responses to crisis from stakeholders in the 20th and 21st centuries. It examines historical pandemics from the Spanish influenza (1918) to COVID-19 (2019) Show more

According to the Global tourism organisation (2022) tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing sectors, with adventure tourism being one of the fastest-growing sub-industries. Adventure tourism is a developing niche market, with the potential to become extremely popular and profitable. The term "adventure" refers to a unique experience that involves personal excitement. (Hanna, Wijesinghe, Paliatsos, Walker, Adams, and Kimbu 2019).South Africa is widely viewed as one of the greatest African adventure destinations. However, sustainability is a pressing issue in any tourism context, here and elsewhere. As a result, adventure tourism destinations require guidance on how to succeed and be sustainable. (Erene 2018). The primary objective of this study is to assess the adventure tourism activities at Phiphidi Waterfalls. This study is descriptive in nature, and data was collected using a quantitative method in the form of a questionnaire. The study was conducted at Faranani and Mudomba villages situated next to the Waterfall. The sample included Phiphidi waterfalls service providers, tourist who visit Phiphidi waterfalls for adventure activities and community members. The study revealed that the most tourist visit Phiphidi waterfall for Swimming, Fishing, Birds-watching and Rock-climbing. Most tourist who travel to Phiphidi waterfall were found to be people who love adventure. The study also revealed that adventure tourism is benefiting local community members from job opportunity and meeting new people. Faranani and Mudomba residents were found mainly to be common people benefiting from providing product to tourist visiting waterfall. Show less

According to the Global tourism organisation (2022) tourism is one of the world's fastest-growing sectors, with adventure tourism being one of the fastest-growing sub-industries. Adventure tourism is a developing niche market, with the potential to become extremely popular and profitable. The term "adventure" refers to a unique Show more

The Department of Tourism is prioritising domestic tourism’s recovery. This is linked to the consensus that promoting domestic tourism is crucial to ensure that the sector recovers from the pandemic impacts on a pathway to sustainability and resilience to deal with future disruptions. This report extends the previous study to pilot and refine the Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework proposed, incorporating the Domestic Tourism Scheme as a key component. This report provides the context of the study, stipulating the aim, objectives and research questions. In relation to the rationale and purpose of the research, the piloting and refinement of the proposed Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework are critical to guide interventions and buy-in. Furthermore, the Framework is extended to include awareness and communication, training and skills development, and monitoring and evaluation components to support effective implementation and achieve intended impacts. The research methodology adopted during this Phase was a desktop approach (updating the literature) and qualitative component (key informant interviews and focus group discussions) to facilitate engagements with purposively selected (after undertaking stakeholder mapping) and key stakeholders on the Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework and Domestic Tourism Scheme. In total, 24 key informants and 4 focus groups completed. The proposed Domestic Tourism Recovery Framework is informed by the sustainable tourism development approach, linked to the ecosystem-based operational model that includes the drivers, pressures, state, impact and response (DPSIR) framework, which informs an examination of tourism that is based on a complex set of phenomena with multi-dimensional aspects and impacts. This approach was complemented by the Theory of Change approach during this Phase that promotes outcomes and results-based approaches to planning and development, focuses on evidence-based/ data-driven evaluation that demonstrates benefits and viability, enhances capacity development, enables partnerships and collaboration and is learning-orientated to improve future policies, plans and interventions. Several themes emerged from the literature review undertaken, including the importance of domestic tourism in South Africa and globally; trends and changes in domestic tourism travel behaviours; challenges faced in relation to finance, infrastructure, safety and security; the impacts of digital and technological advancements, and awareness levels. There was also consensus that domestic tourism was on a pathway to recovery, which needs to be supported/ incentivised. The importance of education and training as well as effective awareness and communication strategies were also highlighted. Show less

The Department of Tourism is prioritising domestic tourism’s recovery. This is linked to the consensus that promoting domestic tourism is crucial to ensure that the sector recovers from the pandemic impacts on a pathway to sustainability and resilience to deal with future disruptions. This report extends the previous study to Show more

Reward systems are important tools that management can use to motivate employees; the main objective of organizations in awarding rewards is to attract and retain efficient, productive, and motivated employees. However, there is no evidence available regarding managers' perceptions of employee rewards in five-star hotels in Cape Town. Therefore, this study aims to explore the perceptions of five-star hotel managers about the reward systems offered to employees. Further, this paper attempts to explore the influence and impact of the covid-19 pandemic on the employee reward systems offered at five-star hotels. A total of 14 interviews were conducted with managers working in four selected five-star hotels. The study used semi-structured interviews to collect qualitative data. The data were analysed using Creswell’s six steps. The study's findings indicate that managers offered distinct types of rewards to their employees, including extrinsic and intrinsic rewards. Managers revealed that extrinsic rewards, specifically money, are the most preferred rewards. The study revealed that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic led to hotels adjusting their employee reward systems to offer less extrinsic rewards and more intrinsic rewards. This paper concludes by recommending strategies to hotel management for enhancing the type of rewards offered to employees and offering utilisation of effective intrinsic rewards. This is to ensure that employees increase their value towards intrinsic rewards as much as they value extrinsic rewards Implications for future research are also presented. Show less

Reward systems are important tools that management can use to motivate employees; the main objective of organizations in awarding rewards is to attract and retain efficient, productive, and motivated employees. However, there is no evidence available regarding managers' perceptions of employee rewards in five-star hotels in Show more

By April 2022, 489 million (Africa - 2.5%) COVID-19 infections, and over 6 million (Africa - 4.1%) deaths globally were attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (World Health Organisation – WHO, 2022). While the infection and death rates associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent may not have been as severe compared to other regions, the impact on tourism was significantly more pronounced. In 2019, the global travel and tourism sector represented 27.4% of global services exports, generating upwards of US$9.2 trillion [10.4% of global GDP], while creating one in every four new employment opportunities globally and accounting for 334 million existing jobs (10.6% of global employment). According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), globally tourism contracted with 73% in 2020 and 72% in 2021 (UNWTO, 2022). Arrivals to Africa contracted by 69% on 2020 and 74% in 2021. The result was the same for South Africa where arrivals contracted by 73% in 2020 and 78% in 2021 (UNWTO, 2022). As a result of these contractions, worldwide revenue and job losses of up to US$4.5 trillion (-49.1%) and 62 million (-18.5%) in 2020, respectively, can be attributed to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic - with Africa shedding 7.2 million travel and tourism jobs and costing the continent’s economy an estimated US$83 billion1. However, it is essential to acknowledge that South Africa’s post-COVID-19 tourism recovery is a multifaceted conundrum - as the country must now also grapple with significant contemporary challenges which include extrinsic forces such as increasing global inflationary levels major South Africa’s major western source markets, as well as the global challenges emanating from the ongoing war in the Ukraine. Tourism is widely considered to be a viable vector for sustainable socio-economic development on the African continent due to the integrative nature of its value chain (forward and backward linkages with suppliers and service providers), as well as the economic multiplier effect (tourism receipts, export products, employment creation, local economic development) (Matiza & Slabbert, 2019). However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced moratoriums on domestic and international travel, tourism demand decreased significantly. The tourism industry received no income or visitors for several months, negatively influencing the value chain and labour market. Several ad hoc strategies were implemented to curb the effect of restrictions on the travel and tourism industry, such as pivoting from international to domestic tourism, allowing limited travel, and providing support to the industry. However, these strategies are not a panacea a quick and complete recovery of South Africa’s tourism industry. Added to this, the continuous uncertainty about the management of such a pandemic demands a future view of how to ensure that the South African tourism industry does not face the same challenges and is more prepared to ensure the sustainability and resilience of this industry. Show less

By April 2022, 489 million (Africa - 2.5%) COVID-19 infections, and over 6 million (Africa - 4.1%) deaths globally were attributed to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (World Health Organisation – WHO, 2022). While the infection and death rates associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on the African continent may not have been as Show more

According to the World Bank (1975), rural development is defined as a strategy aiming at the improvement of economic and social living conditions, focusing on a specific group of poor people in rural areas. It assists the poorest group among the people living in rural areas to benefit from development. Tourism is regarded as one of the development tools in rural communities. Rural tourism has a high potential to stimulate economic growth and social change because of its complementary significance with other economic activities. Rural development is an underlying issue in South Africa as young people are emigrating to other countries or even to more developed areas like the city or urban areas either looking for employment opportunities or improve their standard of living, which leaves the rural areas underdeveloped and the decrease for potential spaces of development and eventually these areas are left neglected. Development in rural areas becomes difficult because there are challenges and hindrances when unutilised spaces, especially in rural areas such as Ha-Makuya where it is mostly nature or cultural tourism. The aim of this research project was to determine the need and the extent to which tourism contribution to rural development The project I employed a qualitative research approach and key informants were consulted to provide primary and first-hand information. The local tourism guide could assist in identifying existing and potential tourism products. The project was guided on secondary data information as well. The instrument used to collect data was electronic devices. The findings of the project proved that development in the Ha-Makuya is essential for the improvement of social standards and basic living conditions Show less

According to the World Bank (1975), rural development is defined as a strategy aiming at the improvement of economic and social living conditions, focusing on a specific group of poor people in rural areas. It assists the poorest group among the people living in rural areas to benefit from development. Tourism is regarded as Show more

This chapter focuses on a case study in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, home to one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world, the //Khomani San. It will explain how a strategy can be developed to engage with, while at the same time monitoring the inclusion of ISTs within the tourism domain. Besides creating a procedure to incorporate these community voices into the tourist experience, the relationship is addressed between ISTs, tourist guides and tourists. It will argue that a mutually beneficial relationship needs to be in place for the effective involvement of ISTs in the broader heritage tourism realm. This will transform the tourist experience and understanding and enhance the position and place of the indigenous community within the heritage tourism sector in a sustainable manner. Show less

This chapter focuses on a case study in the Northern Cape province of South Africa, home to one of the oldest indigenous peoples in the world, the //Khomani San. It will explain how a strategy can be developed to engage with, while at the same time monitoring the inclusion of ISTs within the tourism domain. Besides creating Show more